Nepal is a wonderful place, you will enjoy the scenic beauty, rich culture, engrossing traditions there, but Nepal is a country with huge internal diversity. Same as other countries in the world, there are travel taboos in Nepal which cause extreme offence and lead to an immediate negative reaction in Nepal. Although most local people are very tolerant to foreigners, it’s wise to be mindful of local customs, learn the following travel tips, and follow these 12 Dos and Don’ts in Nepal before travelling there in order to avoid getting in trouble or seriously offending someone.

Dos

1. Greet with Namaste

People use “NAMASTE” to greet each other here. You can greet with Namaste joining two palms together and bowing your head at the same time. When you are grateful to somebody use Namaste to express yourself.  It is very polite of you if you use both hands to receive or give something, including money. Some Nepalese women might hesitate to shake hands with you. In such case you could perform the “NAMASTE” greeting.

2. Take a international multiplug/charger

Plug holes in Nepal are generally two or three rounded prongs (similar to the ones in UK). The electric outlet in Nepal is 50Hz and 220V. So, if your devices do not match this configuration you might have to carry a voltage converter along with you.

3. Carry a torch/flashlight with you at all times

Even though Nepal has is going to be loadshedding free country, supply of electricity is not so much reliable. You might face power cut at any time of the day or during night. Most decent hotels in Kathmandu do have power backups. Nevertheless, if you find yourself in a situation where lights go off suddenly, you would want to have a flashlight handy. This will make sure that you won’t go blind during the power cut or until the power backup generator is put into action.

4. Change all Nepalese currency before departing

Nepalese currency is a restricted currency. Also, it is illegal to take it outside Nepal. Therefore, for both of the reasons you should exchange your remaining Nepalese Currency before leaving for your country. You can either ask to exchange your Nepalese currency at your  hotel or your travel agency before leaving for the airport, or convert them at the Tribhuwan International Airport,  Kathmandu before boarding.

You might want to keep the original receipts of your Nepalese currency withdrawals, as you may be asked to produce them while exchanging. It is to confirm that you got your Nepalese currency from a legitimate source.

5. Insist on cab’s using a meter

Sometimes you might need to hire a cab particularly in (Kathmandu and Pokhara). If you need to do so make sure that you ask the driver to use the meter for your travel. Most drivers will want to bargain with you but insist using the meter.

Note: Fare in usually double for night time travel. i.e after 10pm.

6. Support the Non-Plastic initiative

Nepal suffers from the issue of single-use-plastic bags just like the UK. Also there is no good waste disposal management of plastic bags, plastic, jars and plastic bottles. This problem is more acute in the Himalayan regions. Himalayan regions are remote, accessible either by flying or only by long trekking. So tourists going there with bottled mineral water have helped increasing plastic waste in those areas. Tourists can help by using their own water bottles and using reusable bags during their treks. Your guide will help you in finding safe drinking water sources.

Don’ts

7. Drink tap water

Whether you’re staying in a 5 Star Deluxe Hotel or grab checked in in a small tea house for a snack, you should strictly not drink the tap water. Most of these places do provide you a safe drinking water. But in case they don’t have it always carry your own water bottle of safe drinking water. You can always consult your guide if you’re in doubt. Do not use tap water even to rinse your toothbrush.

8. Touch someone’s body

As a matter of fact you probably don’t pat people on their head as tradition or trend from where you are. But even if you do, It is very crucial for you to be aware of the cultural differences in Nepal. A person’s head is considered sacred in Nepalese and also in many east Asian culture. So don’t even give a second thought considering touching somebody’s head.

Also, you would not want to touch a woman, even in form of affection or gratitude. In that case you can always greet with a Namaste and your welcoming smile.

9. Give money to beggars

Nepal does not have begging epidemic like India does. However, half the population of Nepal lives on as low as $2 per day. So, people have this idea that tourists are very wealthy and its considered fair to ask money to the tourists. Please don’t encourage such people by giving them money, even those cute cheeky kids asking for “5 rupees” cheerfully. Don’t be rude to the beggars though. A polite ‘no’  or just ignoring them will be sufficient.

10. Buy or use drugs

Although marijuana/cannabis grow wildly in Nepal, it is illegal to buy or to use. You would not want to end up in a jail during your vacation. Moreover, Nepali jails are very nasty. You probably would not want to get in trouble for something petty.

11. Dress inadequately

Though there has been a huge change in the perspectives of urbanised people of Nepal regarding the dressing codes, many Nepalese still are conservative and very traditional in the way they dress. You could spare embarrassment on both sides and not wear revealing clothing during your visit in Nepal. People will respect you for dressing appropriately as per the culture here. It is preferable if you wear shorts that are just above the knees.

You will probably not find this recommendation very true while you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara. But when you are travelling to a remote area for trekking or any other activities you will find this advice very handy.

Also, if you dress respectfully you will come across those cultural encounters you were possibly seeking for in your visit..

12. Show affection in public

It is considered taboo initiating physical contacts between man and woman in public. Therefore, do not perform any acts of affection that would be readily accepted in your home town, but not  in Nepal.